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A review by mat_tobin
The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee
4.0
I had no idea that Agee was as established as he was until I read a story about his first(?) picturebook being at the printers and, whilst concerned that it might not be good enough, happens to bump into Maurice Sendak who wholly approved of his book. Great story and Agee is a gem of a wonder - his sparse narrative leaves much space for interpretation and plenty of questions. The kind of picturebooks that invite rich discussions with a strong sense of humour that appeals to child and adult alike.
Set within mid-twentieth century Paris, the country seeks the work of the finest painter. Great artists turn up with their masterpieces to see who has produced the greatest art. Whilst these huge creative figures dominate the frame, Felix Clousseau, a bent, bearded man a third of their size, turns up with a painting of a duck (that happens to also be tiny in comparison). Ridiculed at the start at at first, Clousseau's genius reveals itself when the painting is given time and space to breathe...what happens next turns the world of art upon its head in a hilarious way.
I love the powerful, bold depth of Agee's paintwork and the tongue-in-cheek humour which is prevalent throughout all his work. Originally published in 1988 by Faber and Faber, his work is now in the safe hands of UK's Scallywag Press and I very much look forward to seeing more.
Set within mid-twentieth century Paris, the country seeks the work of the finest painter. Great artists turn up with their masterpieces to see who has produced the greatest art. Whilst these huge creative figures dominate the frame, Felix Clousseau, a bent, bearded man a third of their size, turns up with a painting of a duck (that happens to also be tiny in comparison). Ridiculed at the start at at first, Clousseau's genius reveals itself when the painting is given time and space to breathe...what happens next turns the world of art upon its head in a hilarious way.
I love the powerful, bold depth of Agee's paintwork and the tongue-in-cheek humour which is prevalent throughout all his work. Originally published in 1988 by Faber and Faber, his work is now in the safe hands of UK's Scallywag Press and I very much look forward to seeing more.